Richard Eric Nelson

Richard Eric Nelson, “Rick”, 65, of Lexington Park, MD, passed away on May 25, 2023 in Callaway, MD. Born on October 19, 1957 in Norman, OK, he was the son of Ruth Dunn Nelson of Newport Richey, FL, and the late Carl G. Nelson. Rick was the loving husband of Karen Nelson, whom he married on April 29, 1995 in Lexington Park, MD. He is survived by his children Matthew (Emily) Dobson of San Antonio, TX and Morgan (Ed) Williams of Mechanicsville, MD, his sister Sherrie Goldwin of Ballwin, MO, and six grandchildren. Rick was preceded in death by his son, Ian M. Nelson and his sister, Jane Lopez. Rick graduated from high school in Port Hueneme, CA in 1975. He moved to St. Mary’s County, MD from Barbers Point, HI on November 30, 1994, he then earned his Bachelor’s degree from UMBC in 2010. Rick served in the United States Navy for 22 years, from 1976 to 1998. During this time, he was stationed at NAS Moffettfield, CA, Barbers Point, HI, NAS Brunswick, ME (P-3), NAS Keflavik, Iceland (P-3), NAWCAD Webster Field (UAV’s), and NAS Patuxent River, MD, (VX-20). Most recently, he was a Program Manager for the DOD SPAWAR in Charleston, SC for 20 years, retiring on December 30, 2020. Rick enjoyed photography, scuba diving, vehicle restoration, and travelling the world with Karen. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 1:00 PM for a memorial service at Lexington Park United Methodist Church, Lexington Park, MD. A burial at sea with Navy honors will be held at a future date. Serving as pallbearers will be Russ Martin, Scott Loflin, Edward Williams, CW2, Drew Miller, Commander, USN Retired. Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Taylor and Mike Hiles. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to autismspeaks.org or Hospice House at P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD, 20650. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.